KUALA LUMPUR – The violent brawls that erupted during two FIFA World Cup watch parties have exposed the darker side of football fanaticism, with a senior sports analyst warning that blind passion and unchecked emotions are undermining the true spirit of the world’s most popular sport.
Speaking to Scoop, senior sports analyst and Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) senior sports science lecturer Sadek Mustaffa said there is a fundamental difference between athletes and spectators, as professional players understand the consequences of allowing emotions to get the better of them.
“When emotions override rational thinking, people are more likely to resort to physical violence. Those involved in these incidents were spectators, not the players themselves. There is a clear difference in the level of maturity and accountability between athletes and supporters.
“Professional players understand that if they become involved in fights, it could affect their careers, reputation, identity and ultimately their livelihood. Spectators, however, often do not consider those consequences before acting on their emotions,” he said.
His comments came after two separate brawls broke out during public screenings of Argentina’s 3-2 victory over Egypt in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 on Monday night. One incident occurred at a restaurant in Bandar Sunway, Subang Jaya, while the other took place at a nasi kandar restaurant in Johor Bahru.
Videos of both altercations quickly went viral on social media, drawing widespread condemnation over the behaviour of those involved.
Sadek said the violence may have been triggered by a combination of factors, including heightened emotions, provocation between rival supporters and the charged atmosphere often associated with large public screenings.
“Several factors could have contributed to these incidents. Uncontrolled emotions are certainly one possibility, but the environment at public watch parties can also play a role. Taunting, mocking rival supporters and deliberately provoking one another can quickly escalate tensions.
“There is also the possibility that some individuals may have consumed alcohol, taken prohibited substances or been influenced by other factors. These are matters that should be thoroughly investigated by the police to determine what exactly triggered the fights,” he said.
@scoopdotmy A World Cup watch party in Subang Jaya descended into chaos after a brawl broke out, with chairs seen flying across the venue in a video now circulating on social media. The viral post claims the fight began moments after Argentina scored their second goal during the Round of 16 clash against Egypt. The dramatic footage has sparked reactions online, with many calling for fans to keep their passion for football in check and remember that the beautiful game is meant to unite, not divide. #FIFAWorldCup #WorldCup2026 #WC2026 #football #argentina ♬ original sound – Scoopdotmy
Sadek stressed that businesses hosting public screenings have a duty of care to ensure the safety of patrons by implementing adequate crowd-control measures and working closely with the authorities.
“Venue operators who choose to host large public screenings also have a responsibility to ensure the safety of their patrons. They should work closely with the authorities and have effective crowd-control measures in place, particularly during high-profile matches that attract large numbers of supporters.
“If operators fail to maintain order or neglect their responsibility to provide a safe environment, local authorities should consider taking enforcement action, including suspending their business licences or imposing appropriate penalties,” he said.
He also called for firm action against any foreign nationals found to have been involved in such incidents.
“If any of those involved are foreign nationals, the authorities should enforce the country’s laws without compromise. In my view, it should not stop at fines alone. If they are found guilty of engaging in violent behaviour that is inconsistent with the values upheld by the majority of Malaysians, deportation should also be considered,” he said.
Sadek reminded football supporters that no match is worth jeopardising their future over, saying the consequences of a moment of anger could far outweigh the outcome of any game.
“Ultimately, no football match is worth fighting over. The consequences of losing control can be severe and long-lasting. As the Malay proverb reminds us, ‘Terlajak perahu boleh diundur, terlajak kata dan perbuatan buruk padahnya’ — mistakes made through words or actions often carry consequences that cannot easily be undone.
“That is a lesson every football supporter should remember before allowing emotion to dictate their behaviour,” he added. – July 9, 2026